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Understanding Pesticide Labeling

Fred Fishel, Ph.D.

Department of Agronomy

University of Florida/IFAS

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If pesticides will be involved in the pest management plan, what do I need to

consider regarding their use?

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Understanding the pesticide label is the first consideration when using the product.

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Labels/Labeling*

• Label – on or attached to the container

• Labeling – label plus other manufacturer information

• *must be approved by and registered with EPA

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What does it cost to get a pesticide labeled and who

pays the cost???

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A pesticide manufacturer pays on average between 50

and 100 million dollars to get a product to the market

place.

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Who decides if a pesticide is acceptable to go to

market?

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Ultimately, the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs

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What does a manufacturer have to consider before

developing a new compound?

•Potential regulations

•Future markets

•Public demands

•How it will fit into management schemes

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The product to meet tomorrow’s demands must

offer…• Better efficacy• Compatibility with current pest

management practices• Nonleaching tendencies• Less persistence in the environment• Reduced residues in food• Lower risks to workers and bystanders

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Synthesis in a test tube

Patent review Chemical research Toxicology screening Market research

Secondary screening Advanced toxicology

The decision to commercialize

Field development & product performance, Laboratory & field testing

Registration package compiled

Applicant submits data package to EPA (about 142 various tests)

EPA product manager reviews with their technical support group

Commercial label accepted

Entire process is 5 to 9 years!

Start

Finish

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What are the odds of a chemical ever reaching the marketplace as a pesticide?

??????

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1 in 35,000 chemicals survive the process from

the laboratory to the market.

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What if EPA slips up and grants a label and later finds

a problem with that product?

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EPA has a special mechanism called a “special review.” It is

used when there’s…

• Acute human or animal toxicity

• Chronic human health effects

• Hazard to nontarget organisms

• Risk to threatened or endangered species or their habitat

• Risk may outweigh the benefits

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Special reviews result in…

• No action

• Altering the label to minimize risk

• Classifying pesticide for restricted use

• Eliminating specific uses

• Cancellation of registration completely

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There are about 450 active ingredients formulated into

about 25,000 products…each will have its own label.

Be sure that you have the product’s specific label!

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Every pesticide label states…

“It is a violation of federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent

with its labeling.”

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“Use” means more than applying, but also…

• Handling

• Mixing

• Loading

• Storage

• Transportation

• Disposal

• Environmental exposure

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Brand Name

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Ingredient Statement

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

Glyphosate, N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, in the form of its isopropylamine salt ………………………..41.0%

INERT INGREDIENTS…………………………59.0%

TOTAL: 100.0%

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EPA Establishment Number

• Identifies the specific facility that formulated the product

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Parts of the Label – Signal Words

The signal word is prominently displayed on the front panel of the label

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Child Hazard Warning

Every pesticide label bears the statement:

“KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN”

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Statement of Practical Treatment

Used by medical personnel in the event of an exposure

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Hazards to Humans and Domestic Animals

Information regarding specific exposure routes and precautions to be taken

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Net Contents

• Dry Formulations: pounds or ounces

• Liquids: gallons, quarts, pints or fluid ounces

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EPA Registration Number

• Specifies that the product has met federal registration requirements

• Used to indicate the manufacturer

EPA REG. NO. 707-238

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Name and Address of Manufacturer

• Enables customers to know who made or sold the product

• Required by law

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Physical or Chemical Hazards

Tells of special fire, explosion or chemical hazards

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Limited Warranty and Disclaimer

• Assurance that the product conforms to its description and is fit if used according to label instructions

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Storage and Disposal

• May include temperature requirements

• Generally recommends “triple-rinsing”

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In 1996, 7,279 of 15,015 reported pesticide poisonings in the U.S. involved children

less than 6 years of age.

Source: American Association of Poison Control Centers.

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Directions for Use

• Crops, animals, objects or areas to be treated

• Product rate to apply

• Method of application and equipment

• Timing and frequency of application

• Specific limitations on reentry to treated areas

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Read the label…

• Before purchasing

• Before mixing and applying

• When storing

• Before disposing

• To educate your employees

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Photo Credits• N.C. State University

• University of Arizona

• University of Nebraska

• University of Missouri

Fred Fishel, Ph.D.Department of AgronomyUniversity of Florida/IFASCopyright 2005 University of Florida

Mention of trade names in this presentation is solely for providing specific information. It is not a guarantee or warranty of the products named, and does not signify that they are approved to the exclusion of others of suitable composition. Use pesticides safely. Read and follow directions on the manufacturer’s label.